“Then let me ask you again, how were the strengths of the various races in the Xuanling Continent back then? During the joint assault on the Demon and Flora races, which race played the most significant role? And who ultimately killed Lan Xuechen?” Cang Yan raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the assembly below the throne, posing his questions once more.
The grand hall fell into silence.
Cang Yan observed the expressions of everyone present before withdrawing his gaze after a moment and coldly declaring, “Since none of you will speak, I shall speak for you!
Back then, the Xuanling Continent was at its peak, with every race flourishing after prolonged recuperation! The Flower Queen of that era, Lan Xuechen, was, as Elder Deer described, a peerless beauty who even captivated the God King of the heavens.
Yet, in the end? Lan Xuechen died at the hands of the very God King who adored her!”
At this point, Cang Yan let out a derisive laugh. “The one who most vehemently opposed Flower Queen Lan Xuechen’s marriage to the Demon King Yun Ye was none other than this God King! And during the conflict between the allied races and the Demon and Flora races, it was the God race that contributed the most. Why do you think that was?”
“Love turned to hatred—if he couldn’t have her, he would destroy her!” Elder Leopard hesitantly spoke, a vague idea slowly forming in his mind.
Cang Yan continued, “Now, esteemed elders, you fear that keeping the new Flower Queen within our Beast race will bring upon us the same calamity that befell the Demon race back then. But let me ask you: if the God King Huan Tian had not fallen in love with Lan Xuechen, would the proud God race have joined us in targeting the Demon race?
He would not!
The current Demon King, Yun Ye, has been broken ever since Lan Xuechen’s death. Would he intervene now just because I choose to keep the Flower Queen within our Beast race?
He would not!
The Ghost race of the Netherworld did not participate in our conflict with the Demon race back then, clearly indifferent to whom the Flower Queen married. Would they suddenly emerge now to oppose my decision to keep her in the Beast race?
As for the Human race, the weakest in combat across the Xuanling Continent—would they dare provoke our Beast race simply because I keep the Flower Queen?
And the Flora race—even if Tong Yun has usurped power and seeks to harm the true Flower Queen of noble blood, as long as she remains in our hands, she will always be the rightful ruler of the Flora race. With her existence hindering Tong Yun, would Tong Yun dare openly wage war against us?
As for the Aquatic and Avian races… Heh. Their kings’ sudden visits do warrant caution. But if you tremble before they even make a move—”
Cang Yan’s icy gaze swept across the hall, his regal aura radiating dominance. “Our Beast race reveres courage above all. If any of you lack it, it would be wise to step aside for those who do!”
“Your Majesty is wise! It is we who have been foolish!”
As soon as Cang Yan’s commanding voice faded, Elder Leopard, Shouyang, was the first to react, kneeling in reverence.
“Your Majesty, courage is what our Beast race has in abundance! Even if the kings of the Aquatic and Avian races come with ill intent, let alone the Flora and Demon races, what do our Beast warriors have to fear?” Elder Lion quickly followed Elder Leopard’s lead.
With these two voicing their support, the others promptly knelt as well. “Your Majesty is wise!”
“Now then, do any of you still object to my decision to keep the Flower Queen?” Cang Yan’s gaze swept imperiously over the assembly.
“Your Majesty’s words have enlightened us. I support your decision to keep the Flower Queen and use her to claim the entire Flora race!” Elder Leopard immediately affirmed.
“Good!” Cang Yan smiled.
The others swiftly echoed, “We abide by Your Majesty’s decree!”
“Rise, esteemed elders.” Cang Yan waved his hand. Once everyone had stood, his eyes finally settled on Elder Fox, who remained kneeling.
Not just Cang Yan—Elder Leopard, Elder Elephant, Elder Horse, Elder Bear, and Elder Deer also turned their gazes toward Elder Fox. By now, they understood why the king had kept Elder Fox kneeling. It was clear that His Majesty had already deduced Elder Fox’s role in orchestrating their collective audience.
Before Cang Yan spoke again, most assumed Elder Fox was being punished for his lack of thorough analysis before rallying them to petition the king.
Among them, Elder Lion was the most direct. He stepped forward and said to Elder Fox, “Brother Qing, your thinking simply isn’t as comprehensive as His Majesty’s!”
With that single remark, Elder Lion exposed Elder Fox as the mastermind behind their gathering.
Trapped, Elder Fox seized the opportunity to plead before Cang Yan: “It was my folly! Your Majesty is wise!”
At this point, Elder Fox saw no reason to hide his role in organizing the petition. All he hoped for was a swift reprimand from Cang Yan so they could all leave.
His heart pounded as Cang Yan remained lazily silent on the throne—a silence laden with regal pressure, all the more torturous.
After a moment, Elder Fox could bear it no longer. He cautiously lifted his eyes to gauge Cang Yan’s expression, only to find the king watching him with an enigmatic smile.
Elder Fox hastily averted his gaze, bowing his head properly, though his unease and dread only deepened.
“Elder Fox~” Cang Yan, having observed every flicker of the elder’s demeanor, finally spoke with a light chuckle. His tone was casual, yet it sent an inexplicable chill down the spines of all who heard.
“Your servant is here,” Elder Fox replied, his voice trembling.
Cang Yan continued, “Your devotion to our Beast race is commendable. How could I possibly fault you for that?”
Elder Fox bowed even lower. The king’s words of absolution rang hollow while he remained kneeling—only a fool would believe such “forgiveness.”
“However—” Cang Yan’s tone shifted, and Elder Fox’s heart lurched.
“Your Majesty, I failed to consider all angles. I beg for your punishment!” Thinking quickly, Elder Fox opted for a preemptive strike.
But Cang Yan merely smiled magnanimously. “Even the wisest may err. Besides, earlier today, your second daughter, Qing Mei’er, was severely punished for attempting to assassinate the Flower Queen. It’s only natural your judgment was clouded.”
Elder Fox’s face paled. Even without looking, he could feel the suspicious and angry stares of the other elders boring into him.
The letter from the Aquatic Dragon King, Jin Lin, had been delivered to him that afternoon—shortly after his beloved daughter, Qing Mei’er, had been sent back to his estate following her punishment.
Though he chastised his daughter for her recklessness, her account of events had also awakened him to impending danger.
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